Vehicular Toys With Multimedia Related Features

ABSTRACT

A vehicular toy with multiple multimedia related features includes a toy body having an open upper surface, a propulsion system operably coupled to the toy body, multiple multimedia members mounted on the toy body, a power source for providing power to the toy, a user control device for controlling the plurality of multimedia related features of the toy, a remote controller configured to control movement of the toy, a clock, a universal serial bus port, a slot for holding the user control device, an open retractable roof, a foldable bay door operably mounted on the open surface, a charging port for charging the power source, at least one joystick port, a plurality of game ports and the like.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119 (e) of the provisional patent application Serial No. 61/618,524, filed Mar. 30, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to toys, and, more particularly, to vehicular toys with multimedia related features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Since past few decades, vehicular toys have come equipped with lot of features, such as, for example, apparatus for generating acoustic signals having an acoustic signaling device for producing musical or noisy sounds such as the sounds made by an automotive vehicle including horns or sirens. Additionally, some vehicular toys have come equipped with phonographs so that as the toy is pulled or pushed, the phonograph record played the prerecorded sounds. However, in all such vehicular toys, the varieties of sound made by a particular vehicle are limited.

Furthermore, a major disadvantage of such toys, however, is that they do not allow a child to enjoy wide varieties of sounds and music, which may be essential for developing and stimulating the child's activities.

Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for vehicular toys which have advanced multimedia capabilities and are capable of entertaining children in addition to developing and stimulating their activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicular toy with multiple multimedia related features includes a toy body having an open upper surface, a propulsion system operably coupled to the toy body, multiple multimedia members mounted on the toy body, a power source for providing power to the toy, a user control device for controlling the plurality of multimedia related features of the toy, a remote controller configured to control movement of the toy, a clock, a universal serial bus port, a slot for holding the user control device, an open retractable roof, a foldable bay door operably mounted on the open surface, a charging port for charging the power source, at least one joystick port, a plurality of game ports and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevational view of a vehicular toy with multimedia related features with a closed cover, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevational view of the vehicular toy with multimedia related features in with an open cover, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevational view of the vehicular toy with multimedia related features with the open cover and one or more speakers removed therefrom, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of the vehicular toy with multimedia related features, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the vehicular toy with multimedia related features, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of the vehicular toy with multimedia is related features with the open cover to be used as storage, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the vehicular toy with multimedia related features, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of the vehicular toy with multimedia related features with a CD/DVD entry port, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side perspective view of the vehicular toy with multimedia related features with storage space for CDs/DVDs/Gaming Chips and the like, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a user control device of the vehicular toy with multimedia related features, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a charging system of the vehicular toy with multimedia related features, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicular toy with multimedia related features having multiple user control devices, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of one or more tires of the vehicular toy with multimedia related features, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-13, a vehicular toy 100 with multiple multimedia related features includes a toy body 105 having an open upper surface 110, and a propulsion system operably coupled to the toy body 105. In use, the propulsion system assists in the movement of the toy, including, but not limited to, forward movement, backward movement, circular movement, left side movement, right side movement, and the like. Generally, the propulsion system includes multiple tires 115. In use, for the preferred embodiment, the vehicular toy 100 is a toy truck, and the propulsion system includes four tires 115, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the number of tires may be varied depending upon the design and dimensions of the vehicular toy. Moreover, various types of propulsion systems and technologies known in the art may be employed to suit the needs of the various embodiments of the present invention.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the vehicular toy 100 includes multiple tires 115, and each tire is a solid tire with a grooved outer surface. In use, the grooved outer surface includes multiple grooves 120, which may be s-shaped grooves, zigzag grooves, z-shaped grooves, and the like as illustrated in FIG. 13 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicular toy 100 further includes multiple multimedia members mounted on the toy body. In use, the multiple multimedia members are electronically coupled to each other. Generally, the multiple multimedia members include a radio 125, a compact disk player 130, a digital video disc player 135, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen 140, one or more speakers 145, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more speakers 145 are detractable surround sound speakers, which are operable to catch the audio output signal within a distance of about one foot away from the vehicular toy 100.

Generally, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicular toy 100 includes multiple audio and video components, including, but not limited to, an AM tuner module, an FM tuner module, a 4-12 Mhz short wave tuner module amplifier, a 12-30 Mhz tuner module, a VHF aircraft band tuner module amplifier, and the like.

Generally, the compact disk player 130 and the digital video disc player 135 are operable to read various types of audio and video CDs, DVDs, and are further operable to play the audio output via the one or more speakers 145 and the video output via the liquid crystal display screen 140. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that above-mentioned multimedia components may be further modified and additional well known multimedia components may be added to create additional embodiments of the present invention. For example, a light emitting diode (LED) screen may be employed to display the video output, and moreover, a blue ray disk player may also be added.

In use, the LCD screen 140 is mounted on the side of the vehicular toy 100, and multiple control buttons are provided to control the audio and/or video playback and/or other related features of the multiple multimedia components. The multiple control buttons include a play button, a pause button, a rewind button, a forward button, an eject button, and the like.

Furthermore, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the multiple multimedia components may be modified in a manner such that the vehicular toy 100 is potentially compatible with other peripheral devices, such as, for example, but not limited to, digital video recorders (DVRs), set-top boxes, digital cameras, portable media players, Voice over IP telephones, mobile telephones, printers scanners, and the like.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicular toy 100 further includes a power source for providing power to the toy 100, and a charging port 150 for charging the power source. In use, the power source includes one or more subminiature rechargeable batteries such as nickel-cadmium cells for supplying the required electrical power. Additionally, a suitable battery charger is required to supply the necessary charging current for the power source.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicular toy 100 further includes a user control device 155 for controlling the multiple multimedia related features of the toy 100, and a remote controller configured to control movement of the toy. In use, the user control device 155 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the vehicular toy 100 via a Bluetooth link. Generally, the vehicular toy 100 is operable to be a radio-controlled toy vehicle, and the vehicular toy 100 includes one or more drive units to provide for the movement of the toy 100, including, but not limited to, forward movement, backward movement, circular movement, left side movement, right side movement, and the like.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicular toy 100 further includes a clock 160, and more specifically, an alarm clock. In use, the alarm clock includes a display panel, and one or more contact push-buttons for controlling various conventional alarm clock functions. Generally, the one or more contact push-buttons may include a first push button for time and date setting selection, a second push button for time and date adjustment, a third push button for alarm setting, a fourth push button for alarm adjustment, a fifth push button for alarm select/enable operation, a sixth push button for alarm deactivation, and a seventh push button for local suspension or delay of the alarm.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicular toy 100 further includes a universal serial bus (USB) port 185. As it is well known, USB flash drives are commonly used for storing and transporting data, application and software files from one location to another so that the files may be accessed in a variety of places. The vehicular toy 100, as disclosed herein, may be used to playback the audio and video data stored in a USB flash drive via the one or more speakers 145 and the LCD screen 140, respectively. In use, the vehicular toy 100 includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a standard type-A USB connector, a USB mass storage controller which is mounted on the PCB to drive the onboard memory, a NAND flash memory chip which is mounted on the PCB to store data, and a crystal oscillator which is mounted on the PCB to control data output through a phase-locked loop. In addition, a memory card reader may further be connected to the vehicular toy via the USB port.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicular toy 100 further includes a slot 170 for holding the user control device 155, an open retractable roof 175, and a foldable bay door 180 operably mounted on the open surface 110. In use, the open upper surface 110 of the vehicular toy 100 is visible once the roof 175 is retracted and the foldable bay door 180 is opened as illustrated in FIG. 6, according to an embodiment of the invention. Generally, the slot 170 is positioned on the open retractable roof 175. In use, the one or more speakers 145 are placed on the open surface 110, and alternatively, the open surface 110 may be used to store other multimedia related articles, such as, for example, CDs, DVDs, USB flash drives, memory cards, gaming chips, and the like.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicular toy 100 further includes at least one joystick port 185, a plurality of game ports 190 and the like, whereby multiple games can be played and audio and/or video output signals of such games may be played via the one or more speakers 145 and/or the LCD screen 140, respectively.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicular toy 100 further includes a charging system 200 for charging the power source. In use, the charging system 200 is in the form of a gas tank charger, including a power inlet port 205, a power output port 210, and a graphical display unit 215 to display the status of amount of power present in the power source. The power inlet port 205 is operable to be coupled with an external power source and the power output port 210 is operable to be coupled to the vehicular toy 100 via a gas tank of the vehicular toy. Additionally, the charging system further includes a secondary power source 220, which may be one or more batteries operable to provide the required power to the charging system. Generally, the status of amount of power present in the power source may be empty (E), or full (F), and moreover, a graphical indicator may further be positioned on the graphical display unit to display the actual amount of power present in the power source.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the user control device 155 controls the multiple multimedia related features of the toy 100, including, but not limited to, on and off control, CD/DVD/USB made selection, play button, pause button, rewind button, forward button, stop button, volume control button, and the like. In use, the user control device 155 includes a circular control button 195 to select playback mode of the one or more speakers, which may include a left side playback, a right side playback, a front playback, a rear playback, and the like. Those of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate that the vehicular toy 100 may be modified further to include multiple user control devices for controlling the multiple multimedia related features of the toy, and multiple remote controllers configured to control movement of the toy 100.

Therefore, as may be seen, the present invention provides a vehicular toy with multiple multimedia features, including, but not limited to, remote control, time clock, AM FM radio, CD/DVD player, multiple detractable surround sound speakers, LCD screen, USB port, game chip port, multiple joystick ports, storage for CD/DVD/gaming chips, and the like.

While there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that, within said embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as set forth in the Claims appended herewith. Therefore, the appended claims are to be construed to cover all equivalents falling within the true scope and spirit of the invention. 

1. A vehicular toy with a plurality of multimedia related features, said toy comprising: a toy body having an open upper surface; a propulsion system operably coupled to said toy body, said propulsion system comprising a plurality of tires; a plurality of multimedia members mounted on said toy body, said plurality of multimedia members being electronically coupled to each other; and a power source for providing power to said toy.
 2. The toy as claimed in claim 1, wherein said toy further comprises a user control device for controlling said plurality of multimedia related features of said toy.
 3. The toy as claimed in claim 2, wherein said user control device comprises a remote controller configured to control movement of said toy.
 4. The toy as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of multimedia members comprise a radio, a compact disk player, a digital video disc player, a liquid crystal display screen, at least one speaker, and the like.
 5. The toy as claimed in claim 1, wherein said toy further comprises a clock.
 6. The toy as claimed in claim 5, wherein said clock is an alarm clock.
 7. The toy as claimed in claim 1, wherein said toy further comprises a universal serial bus port.
 8. The toy as claimed in claim 1, wherein said toy further comprises a slot for holding said user control device.
 9. The toy as claimed in claim 1, wherein said toy further comprises an open retractable roof.
 10. The toy as claimed in claim 1, wherein said toy further comprises a foldable bay door operably mounted on said open surface.
 11. The toy as claimed in claim 1, wherein said toy further comprises a charging port for charging said power source.
 12. The toy as claimed in claim 1, wherein each tire of said plurality of tires is a solid tire with a grooved outer surface.
 13. The toy as claimed in claim 1, wherein said toy further comprises at least one joystick port, a plurality of game ports and the like.
 14. The toy as claimed in claim 4, wherein said at least one speaker comprises a detractable surround sound speaker.
 15. The toy as claimed in claim 1, wherein said toy further comprises a charging system for charging said power source, said charging system comprising a power inlet port, a power output port, and a graphical display unit to display status of an amount of power present in said power source.
 16. The toy as claimed in claim 15, wherein said power inlet port is operable to be coupled with an external power source and said power output port is operable to be coupled to said vehicular toy via a gas tank of said vehicular toy.
 17. The toy as claimed in claim 15, wherein said charging system further includes a secondary power source.
 18. The toy as claimed in claim 15, wherein said charging system is a gas tank charger. 